NEW CASTLE, Ind. — On Tuesday, a former lieutenant with the New Castle Police Department is expected to be sentenced after a jury found him guilty in an excessive force case involving attacks on suspects last year.
Aaron Strong was found guilty in early October 2024 after being indicted by a federal grad jury. Strong was found guilty on three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of witness tampering.
According to previous reports, Strong injured suspects during three different excessive force incidents using various items, including a collapsible baton as well as less-lethal bean bag rounds fired from a shotgun. Strong was found to have violated the suspects’ constitutional rights in the process of these incidents.
The charges stem from three different excessive force incidents involving Strong. The officer reportedly injured three suspects during the incidents by using a collapsible baton and less-lethal bean bag rounds fired from a shotgun, violating their Constitutional Rights in the process.
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to serve our communities. Their jobs are difficult, dangerous, and noble,” Zachary A. Myers, the U.S. attorney for the southern district of Indiana, previously said. “Aaron Strong is not noble. He repeatedly and unlawfully abused his position of authority to inflict violence, injury, and pain—with no lawful justification. He then lied to cover it up. Our community deserves better. Together with our partners at the Department of Justice, the FBI, and Indiana State Police, our federal prosecutors will continue to seek accountability for police who illegally assault those they are sworn to protect.”
Strong faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison, according to previous reports. This story will be updated when the sentencing occurs.
